Wednesday, September 16, 2009

a simple card...

I once got a card in the mail with a beautiful Thomas Kinkade picture of a cottage and a light house on the front. On the inside of the card, with beautiful cursive writing, I read the following:

"Hi Chersten,
This is a picture of your future home along the Oregon Coast" (I have always wanted to live by the Oregon Coast)
"I just wanted to send you a little note and thank you for who you are and what you do for Jared. We really enjoyed having Taelor. He has such a neat personality he gets from his mother.
At any rate, we love you, respect you and appreciate you.
Love Grandpa Wright"

This was from my father-in-law.

My father-in-law passed away this summer after a two year battle with brain cancer.

He was my seminary teacher in high school. He always knew how to make you feel good about yourself because he would compliment you in such a casual way that you would go away feeling better about who you were and not realize why.

He was faithful and kind...willing to do anything for anybody.

He could lighten the mood with a single comment...sending people who had just moments before been heated to smiling despite themselves.

The card I received was a simple expression of his love for others, his willingness to accept others with open arms, and his thoughtfullness. To be honest, heaven doesn't seem quite so far away any more and knowing that he is there makes death not seem so tragic.

I am grateful that I had "Bro. Wright" as a seminary teacher...that will never change.

But now, I feel overwhelmed and humbled that I was able to have Chadwin Spencer Wright as my father-in-law...and my friend.


5 comments:

Mike and Adrianne said...

What a beautiful card! I always loved Brother Wright. Thank you for sharing this tribute of your father-in-law with us. He has touched so many people's lives and you are lucky to be a part of his family for eternity.

Cali said...

As I read along I was not surprised at all that the card came from Brother Wright. He truly is an incredible man, and I agree with Adrianne that it is such a blessing for you to be a part of his family eternally.

Knudsen Family said...

Oh Chersten,I am so sorry to hear about Jared'd Dad! What a beautiful tribute to someone. I hope your family is doing well!

Ericson Fam said...

Love that Cherst thanks for sharing. He was the best!!

Hickman Family said...

What a neat man, so blessed to have people like that in our lives who touch us for good! Thanks for sharing, hope you guys are doing good, we miss ya!